2006 Domaine Bachelet Bourgogne

Domaine Bachelet in Gevrey-Chambertin, is a 10-acre estate run by Denis Bachelet. Although Bachelet has been producing wines only since 1983, he has many fans, among them Robert M. Parker Jr., who has described Bachelet as “an excellent producer” who has “a lot of talent and a good touch for allowing the fruit of the wine to come through in a pure, unfettered manner.” Bachelet makes a Grand Cru Gevrey-Chambertin and Premier Crus. His vines are 30 to 100 years old. Though the domaine produces very limited quantities of wine, it has a cult following among Burgundy collectors.

The Côte d’Or literally means the “slope of gold” and to Burgundy collectors it is sacred ground. It is home to most fabled Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vineyards in the world, as well as historic domaines that trace their traditions back hundreds of years. The 30-mile long ridge stretches from just south of Dijon on the north to a little past Santenay in the south. At its widest, the Côte d’Or is a mere 1.5 miles across and sometimes it is merely a few hundred yards across. During several geological periods shifting sea beds left calcium-rich shellfish deposits on the ridge, creating unique, rocky soils that have become excellent vineyards. The Côte d’Or is further divided into a north and south. The Côte de Nuits is more or less the northern half, and is most famous for its Pinot Noir, while the Côte d’Beaune is the southern half, and is especially noted for its Chardonnay.

This red wine is relatively light and can pair with a wide variety of foods. The grape prefers cooler climates and the wine is most often associated with Burgundy, Champagne and the U.S. west coast. Regional differences make it nearly as fickle as it is flexible.